A godly mother

2 Timothy 1:5 & 3:14-17 (click the link to read the passages)

Timothy’s father was a Greek and his mother a Jewess, as was probably his grandmother Lois. Timothy was not circumcised as a baby—due, no doubt, to the fact that his father was a Greek—but received instruction, probably from his mother, Eunice, in the Hebrew Scriptures. Both Timothy’s mother and grandmother are described by Paul as ‘faithful’ which leads us to infer that they were Christian believers. Timothy appears to have had some physical problems—the apostle referring on one occasion to his ‘many ailments’ (1 Tim. 5:23)—but nevertheless he served the Lord with great sincerity and zeal, often in difficult and dangerous situations.

For thought and contemplation:

Every Christian mother—and grandmother—ought to take encouragement from the success of Eunice and Lois with Timothy, who proved so effective a minister of Christ. Charles Dickens put it like this: “The virtues of mothers shall be visited on their children, as well as the sins of their fathers.”

“The eye that mocks a father, that scorns obedience to a mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures.” (Proverbs 30:17, NIV)

Paul’s ‘spiritual son’

1 Timothy 1:2 & Acts 16:3

Timothy was born at Lystra, and was probably brought to Christ through Paul’s ministry during his first missionary journey to that city. When Paul visited Lystra for the second time, he found that Timothy was highly regarded by the Christians there, and also by those at Iconium (Acts 16:2), so he invited Timothy to join him on his missionary journeys. At this time in Paul’s ministry, Silas had replaced Barnabas, and Paul was doubtless looking for a replacement for John Mark also. A strong bond of love and affection developed between Paul and Timothy, causing the apostle to look upon Timothy as his ‘spiritual son’ (1 Tim. 1:2 & Phil. 2:19-22).

For thought and contemplation:

In modern times, little emphasis seems to be laid on such terms as ‘fathers in Christ’, or ‘mothers in Israel’, yet such phrases were often used in times past to describe relationships within Christ’s Church. Can the reason be that there are so few true spiritual ‘fathers’ and ‘mothers’ in the Church of today?

“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim. 2:1, NIV)

Ordained

1 Timothy 4:14 & 2 Timothy 1:6

When Timothy joined up with Paul and Silas on their missionary travels, he entered into a completely new way of life which necessitated that he should become ordained. Ordination, in those days, required the ministry of the ‘laying on of hands’, and Timothy is brought before the church for their approval and commendation, whereupon the elders lay their hands upon him, along with the apostle Paul, and he is set apart for the work of the ministry. We have no way of knowing whether or not the laying on of hands by the elders and the apostle took place simultaneously, and so we can safely assume that both events happened at around the same time.

For thought and contemplation:

Ordination is a highly debated issue in the Christian Church of today. Some are for it—others against. What do you think? In the widest sense of the word, every Christian has been ‘ordained’. Read Acts 13:48 (Authorised Version) and you’ll see.

“You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain…” (John 15:16, AV)

Paul’s companion

Acts 16:3, 17:14 & 20:4-5

It becomes quite obvious in reading the story of Paul’s travels that he took a great liking to Timothy. Travelling companions usually get closer to each other—or else farther apart. In this case, their friendship and fellowship deepened the more time they spent together. When they arrived in Berea, however, the party was split up as a result of the persecution that swept down upon the Christians there, and it was some time before Silas and Timothy caught up with the apostle Paul. They eventually met up again in the home of Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth.

Timothy later accompanied Paul on the journey to Jerusalem to distribute the offerings collected by the Gentile churches for their fellow believers in that city.

For thought and contemplation:

It’s truly a wonderful thing when Christians who are teamed up together by Christ develop an increasing spiritual affection for each other. But it doesn’t always happen that way. Some relationships are easier than others, but all, to some extent, have to be ‘worked at’.

“He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.” (Proverbs 13:20, NIV)

Received instruction

1 Timothy chapters 3 & 4

Paul took great pains over the well-being of the churches, and wrote letters to both Timothy and Titus which, because of their enduring value for Christians down the ages, are included in the New Testament. He counselled Timothy on many things, not the least on the way to look after his health. Special directions were given also on how to become a good minister of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the qualifications Timothy should look for in those chosen to be leaders in the local churches. Paul’s instructions to Timothy carry the spirit of a father talking to his son, and Paul’s high opinion of Timothy shows the latter to have been an attentive and obedient ‘son’.

For thought and contemplation:

How good are you at receiving spiritual instruction? Do you receive it with grace—or with a grudge? The way in which we take on board truth or instruction from Scripture says a lot about us. “We are”, as someone put it, “what we respond to—nothing more and nothing less.”

“Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvellous deeds.” (Psalm 71:17, NIV)

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Learned Scripture

2 Timothy 3:16

Here, in one of the great “3:16s” of the Bible, Paul reminds his ‘son’ in Christ of the power that is resident in Holy Scripture. Although Timothy had been brought up by a Jewish mother and was doubtless well instructed in the Scriptures, he must now look at them through Christian eyes and learn how they show the way of salvation through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul reminds Timothy that all Scripture is inspired—or ‘God-breathed’—and has a fourfold influence in the life of believers: it is profitable for (1) teaching, (2) rebuking, (3) correcting and (4) training in righteousness. Timothy is also charged to preach the word faithfully at all times (2 Timothy 4:1-2).

For thought and contemplation:

We may understand Scripture from many different perspectives, but we do not fully understand it until we see that its main focus is Christ. Just as there is a road from every city, town and hamlet in Britain that leads to London, so there is a path from every Bible text that leads to Christ. Bible study is not effective until it finds that path.

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32, NIV)

Imprisoned

Philippians 1:1, Colossians 1:1 & Hebrews 13:23

Like many of the early Christians, Timothy experienced imprisonment for his faith. We do not know quite where or when he was imprisoned, but we do read of his release (Heb. 13:23). During Paul’s lifetime, Timothy no doubt saw the inside of many Roman prisons—if only as a visitor—as Paul spent a good deal of his time incarcerated for the sake of the Gospel.

Timothy was evidently a great encouragement to Paul, and his name appears in the opening greetings to the Philippians and the Colossians—letters written by Paul from prison. One of Paul’s last requests during his final imprisonment was directed to Timothy: “When you come, bring the cloak… also the books, and… the parchments” (2 Tim. 4:13, RSV).

For thought and contemplation:

How would you feel if you were given a three-month prison sentence for telling the story of Christ? It doesn’t happen today—well, at least not here in the West. But, as many Christians predict, it could happen at some future date. You might not want to go to prison for Christ—but would you be willing?

“But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed…” (1 Peter 3:14, NIV)